Crack Detecting Line Layout for Flexible Display Edges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display devices, especially flexible ones, are prone to cracks during manufacturing, which can allow moisture or foreign particles to enter the display area, causing defects.
Innovation Solution
A display device design that includes a crack detecting line in the non-display area, comprising multiple unit connectors and wiring portion units with specific configurations to detect cracks by altering the resistance of data lines and signaling pixels, thereby identifying defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple continuous data line is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but cracks cannot be detected and moisture can enter the display area
Solution Approach 1:
The data line is segmented into multiple wiring portion units with even numbering, connected through unit connectors. This segmentation allows the data line to be discontinuous at connector positions, enabling crack detection while maintaining manufacturing simplicity. The even-numbered units create symmetrical patterns that enhance detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The crack detecting line is configured in advance with specific geometric patterns (bridge portions and return wiring portions) before manufacturing completion. This preliminary configuration ensures that if a crack occurs, it will be detected by the pre-positioned detecting line, allowing proactive quality control before the product leaves the factory.
2Measurement precision
If the crack detecting line uses many components, then crack detection accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The crack detecting line is merged with the data line structure, sharing the same physical space and manufacturing process. The detecting line comprises bridge portions and return wiring portions that are integrated into the existing data line layout, eliminating the need for separate detecting line manufacturing and reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The data line serves dual functions: transmitting data signals to pixels and acting as a crack detecting line. The even-numbered wiring portion units create symmetrical patterns that function both as electrical conductors and as geometric shapes for crack detection, reducing the total number of components needed.
3Reliability
If the data line is made discontinuous with connectors, then crack detection is enabled, but the risk of moisture entry through connectors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The discontinuous connector structure, which initially appears to create vulnerability to moisture, is actually configured to enable crack detection. The unit connectors positioned at specific intervals create detection points where cracks would disrupt the electrical connection, allowing the potential weakness to become a detection advantage. The even-numbered wiring units ensure symmetrical detection patterns.
4Measurement precision
If the crack detecting line is positioned close to the display area, then detection sensitivity is improved, but the risk of foreign particle entry increases
Solution Approach 1:
The crack detecting line is positioned strategically in the non-display area, close enough to detect cracks that may affect the display area but far enough to minimize exposure to foreign particles. The bridge portions and return wiring portions are configured to maximize detection sensitivity at critical locations while maintaining safe positioning away from high-risk contamination zones.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively reduces defects in display devices by detecting cracks and preventing moisture or foreign particles from entering the display area, enhancing the reliability and accuracy of crack detection.
Implementation Method 1
detecting cracks by altering the resistance of data lines
Data Source
AI summary
A display device including: a substrate including a display area for displaying an image and a non-display area positioned at a periphery of the display area; a plurality of pixels positioned at the display area; a plurality of data lines connected with the plurality of pixels; and a crack detecting line positioned at the non-display area, wherein the crack detecting line includes: a plurality of unit connectors extending in a first direction, wherein the first direction is parallel to an extending direction of a side of the substrate nearest to the unit connectors; and a plurality of wiring portion units connected to each other through the plurality of unit connectors, wherein the number of wiring portion units is an even number.